The Quad Summit 2024 took place on September 22 in Delaware, USA, featuring the heads of state from America, Japan, Australia, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit focused on several critical issues, including:
- Promoting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
- Seeking peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza
What is the Quad?
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as Quad, is an informal strategic forum comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Established in 2007, the Quad aims to enhance strategic security and mutual cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular emphasis on maritime security.
Importance of the Quad for India
- Counterbalancing China’s Influence: The Quad’s primary objective is to mitigate the economic and strategic influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. For India, this collaboration enhances its economic and military capabilities to effectively compete with China.
- Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: The Quad facilitates deeper ties between member nations, fostering joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaborative security initiatives.
- Economic Opportunities: Engaging with the Quad opens avenues for economic cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities for India within a broader regional framework.
Formation and Revival of the Quad
- Origins: The inception of Quad can be traced back to the 2004 tsunami, which prompted India, America, Japan, and Australia to form a coalition for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would later become the Quad.
- Formal Establishment: The group was officially formed in 2007 during the first formal meeting of member countries.
- Initial Setback: After Australia withdrew from the group in 2008, the Quad was effectively put on hold for nearly a decade.
- Revival: The resurgence of the Quad in 2017 coincided with deteriorating relations between Australia and China, leading to a renewed interest in regional cooperation. The first meeting of the revived Quad took place alongside the ASEAN summit in Manila, attended by leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
Conclusion
The Quad plays a significant role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in light of rising tensions with China. By fostering collaboration among its member nations, the Quad not only enhances security and stability in the region but also promotes shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The recent summit highlights the ongoing commitment of these nations to address pressing global challenges and strengthen their partnership for a prosperous future.
